Device for Pulmonary Hypertension

CoTherix (San Francisco, CA, USA) and Respironics, (Murrysville, PA, USA) have announced the launch of the I-neb adaptive aerosol delivery (AAD) device for Ventavis inhalation solution.

The I-neb weighs less than eight ounces and can be carried discreetly in a purse, pocket, or briefcase and employs Respironics' AAD System, which continually adapts to an individual patient's breathing pattern and delivers medication only on inspiration.

"The battery-operated I-neb makes Ventavis an even better therapeutic option now that this effective therapy can be used conveniently during everyday activities,” said Dr. Robyn J. Barst, M.D., Director of the pulmonary hypertension center at New York Presbyterian hospital.

Ventavis is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with Class III or IV symptoms. Ventavis is an inhaled formulation of iloprost, a synthetic compound that is structurally similar to prostacyclins, naturally occurring molecules that cause blood vessels to dilate. The U.S. Food and Dug Administration (FDA) expanded CoTherix's label in August 2005 to include the use of the I-neb for the administration of Ventavis.

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare blood vessel disorder of the lungs in which the pressure in the pulmonary artery rises above normal levels and may become life threatening. Its cause is currently unknown, but may result from other diseases that cause a restriction of blood flow to the lungs, including scleroderma, HIV and lupus.

Symptoms of the disease include fatigue, shortness of breath upon exertion, chest pain, and dizziness. Left untreated, the median survival time following diagnosis may be as short as three years. However, under treatment some patients are able to manage the disorder for 15 to 20 years or longer.





Related Links:
CoTherix
Respironics